As the Reds close in on their second N.L. Central Division Title it's time to think about the postseason.

All I have to say is that it's a good thing there are two weeks left in the season because this team has major problems at the moment.

This team is .500 in September (7-7) and there are two major reasons why: Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto.

Not that it's all their fault, it's just that they haven't been dominant lately and the team needs them to be. More for the playoffs than the finish of the regular season.

We all know that you need your studs to be studs if you're to advance in the playoffs (hello Roy Halladay in 2010). With that in mind, there's not much reason to be optimistic with the recent performances of Votto and Cueto.

Since his return Votto has played in 10 games. His .303 batting average is nothing to be concerned about but if you look beyond that it's clear that he has yet to regain top form.

He's not hitting for power. And it's not just home runs, of which he has none, but he only has two doubles as well, posting a slugging percentage more befitting a middle infielder at  .364. He also hasn't driven in a run, but he gets pitched around frequently despite the fact that he's obviously diminished since the knee surgery.

As for Cueto, his last three outings have been subpar to awful with a combined ERA of 8.22. He's failed to go even five innings in his last two starts and has surrendered four HRS.

Many have speculated that Cueto could use a day off via skipping him in the rotation and other have suggested that the Reds may limit his pitch counts down the stretch.

I'm for either of those options. The only good news in Cueto's last three outings is his strikeout rate, which is actually higher than the rest of the season. To me that inidicates his stuff is probably OK he just isn't sharp.

And the Reds third difference maker, Aroldis Chapman is currently "resting" his shoulder. I don't know about you but I'm very worried about Chapman. The longer this lingers, the more likely he's acutally injured and not "fatigued".

This has been a magical regular season for the Reds but if these three guys aren't on top of their game come October the Reds will be bounced early again.